Concentrating mainly but not exclusively on the Loire's vineyards, its vignerons and their wines along with places to eat and stay. Also covers some recently published wine books – not just from Loire. Regional Chair for Loire @Decanter's World Wine Awards since its inception.
Winner of the 2009 Wine Blog Trophy (journalist category) Salon des Vins de Loire. I have a large and expanding library of photos, particularly from the Loire – places, producers, vineyards etc. European.

2012:Born Digital Wine Awards: No Pay No Jay – best investigative wine story

2012: International Wine Challenge – Personality of the Year Award

Saturday, 21 March 2015

Bourgueil's 13th invasion of Tours: Saturday 21st March 2015 (part 1)

Unfortunately the original forecast for today led us astray – it was supposed to be dry, sunny but cold. Instead it was certainly cold and instead of the sun it rained – hard enough for it to start dripping through the wooden huts used to house the vignerons. I tasted just the 2014s on show – hard going not because of the vintage but because the wines were cold. I wasn't going to try warming them up with my hands that were already cold.

Despite this, tasting the 2014's Bourgueil showed again their promise and it looks like the vintage will be one to enjoy early, although probably with a potential to age.

Fortunately the weather cheered up a little in the early afternoon when some English sunshine made an appearance!

Some photos from today – more to follow:

Philippe Boucard wasn't fooled by a

favourable forecast – he came prepared plus he very kindly gave a present of a book on Turner in the Loire

Picture use

Unless otherwise stated all photos on this site are copyrighted – Jim Budd. They should not be used without authorisation and due credit.
Please contact me on budmac@btinternet.com for all use. There will usually be a charge for use in commercial publications – papers, magazines, websites etc. and for other commercial uses.
Photos that are used for commercial use without permission will be charged double – the fee for the use of photo and for breach of copyright.
Commercial organisations asking to use photos for no payment may not always receive a polite response.